Everything to Know About Kidney Stones and Kidney Failure

Medically Reviewed By Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP

Solid deposits called kidney stones can lead to pain and discomfort. Untreated, kidney stones can lead to kidney failure or chronic kidney disease (CKD). The kidneys are an essential part of the body’s filtration system. They are responsible for removing waste and excess fluids from the bloodstream. Without treatment, kidney stones can affect the kidneys’ ability to function. This can result in kidney failure, causing the buildup of waste products and excess fluid in the body.

Contact your doctor as soon as you experience symptoms of kidney stones. Prompt diagnosis and treatment will reduce the risk of complications.

Read on to learn more about kidney stones, their causes, symptoms, treatment, and more.

Can kidney stones cause kidney failure?

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Kidney stones can sometimes cause kidney failure. However, kidney failure only occurs if both kidneys are blocked, not just one kidney. Most kidney stones pass through the urinary system without causing long-term damage.

A stone that becomes lodged in the ureter and blocks urine flow from that kidney can cause swelling and damage to the kidney tissue. This can lead to an infection or kidney damage. Sometimes this results in acute kidney failure injury, also known as acute renal failure.

Learn more about kidney failure.

Can kidney stones cause chronic kidney disease?

Kidney stones can damage the kidneys, which can increase the risk of developing CKD. This is especially the case if the stones are large or block the flow of urine.

Over time, kidney damage can lead to a decreased ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the bloodstream. This eventually leads to CKD.

Learn more about chronic kidney disease.

Can kidney stones reduce kidney function?

Kidney stones can reduce kidney function if they block the flow of urine. When this happens, the pressure in the kidney increases, which can damage the delicate structures inside the kidney. Large kidney stones in the kidneys that are too big to pass can also become infected, which can damage the kidney.

In severe cases, kidney damage can lead to decreased kidney function. However, in most cases, kidney stones will not cause a significant reduction in kidney function unless they are very large or other underlying health conditions are present.

What are the symptoms of kidney stones?

The symptoms of kidney stones can vary depending on the size and location of the stone. Possible symptoms include:

  • pain in the side or back that may radiate to the groin or abdomen
  • nausea and vomiting
  • blood in the urine
  • difficulty urinating
  • frequent urination
  • a strong urge to urinate
  • a burning sensation while urinating

Learn more about kidney stones.

What are the treatments for kidney stones?

The treatment for kidney stones depends on factors such as:

  • size
  • location
  • type of stone
  • severity of symptoms

Small kidney stones may pass through the urinary tract on their own with the help of medication and home remedies. 

In some cases, medical intervention may be necessary. The following are some common treatments for kidney stones:

  • Pain medication: Over-the-counter pain relief medication can help alleviate pain from kidney stones.
  • Medications to help pass stones: Medications such as alpha-blockers can help relax the muscles in the urinary tract and facilitate the passage of kidney stones.
  • Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy: This procedure uses shock waves Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source to break up kidney stones into smaller pieces. These can then be passed through the urinary tract. Learn more about lithotripsy for kidney stones.
  • Ureteroscopy: This minimally invasive procedure uses a small tube with a camera inserted through the urethra and bladder to the site of the kidney stone. The stone can then be removed or broken up with a laser.
  • Percutaneous nephrolithotomy: This procedure involves making a small incision in the back to remove large kidney stones from the kidney.

What causes kidney stones?

Kidney stones occur when certain substances in the urine become highly concentrated and form crystals. The crystals can grow and join together to form stones. Possible substances that can cause kidney stones include Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source :

  • oxalate
  • calcium
  • phosphorus
  • uric acid

Certain factors can also increase the likelihood of developing kidney stones. These include:

  • not drinking enough water
  • consuming a diet high in salt
  • obesity
  • diabetes
  • high blood pressure
  • underlying conditions such as gout and urinary tract infection
  • family history or personal history of kidney stones 
  • taking medications such as calcium-based antacids and diuretics 

Contact your doctor if you have concerns about the risk factors for kidney stones.

Learn more about kidney stone causes and risk factors.

When should I see a doctor?

Contact your doctor if you experience symptoms of kidney stones or kidney problems, such as:

  • severe, persistent pain in the back, side, or lower abdomen 
  • painful urination
  • blood in the urine
  • fever and chills
  • difficulty urinating or a burning sensation when urinating
  • cloudy or foul-smelling urine

Learn more about when to see a doctor for kidney stones.

How do doctors diagnose kidney stones?

Your doctor may begin by performing a physical exam and taking your medical history. This will help determine if you are at risk for kidney stones.

Depending on your symptoms and risk factors, your doctor may order one or more diagnostic tests. These include:

  • Imaging tests: These include X-rays and CT scans. Imaging tests can help identify the presence, size, and location of kidney stones.
  • Urine tests: Urine tests can help identify underlying medical conditions, such as urinary tract infections, that may contribute to kidney stone formation.
  • Blood tests: Blood tests can check for high calcium or uric acid levels, which may lead to kidney stones.
  • Analysis of passed stones: If you pass a kidney stone, your doctor may send it for laboratory analysis to determine its composition. This can help guide treatment and prevention strategies.

How common are kidney stones?

About 10% of people will experience a kidney stone at some point in their lifetime. People assigned male at birth may be more likely to develop kidney stones than people assigned female at birth. However, more research into this is necessary.

What are the complications of kidney stones?

Kidney stones can cause complications, in addition to kidney failure. Complications include:

  • urinary tract infections
  • damage to the kidneys
  • obstruction when large kidney stones block the urinary tract
  • recurrent kidney stones 

According to the National Kidney Foundation, a kidney stone puts you at 50% risk of developing another one in 5–7 years. Contact your doctor for advice on ways to prevent kidney stones and reduce this risk.

Can I prevent kidney stones?

The following actions may help you reduce the risk of developing kidney stones:

  • Drink plenty of fluids: Staying hydrated can help prevent kidney stones from forming. The Urology Care Foundation recommends drinking 10 10-ounce glasses of liquid per day to reduce the risk of repeat stones.
  • Eat a balanced diet: Eating a diet that is low in salt and animal protein, and high in fruits and vegetables can help reduce the risk of kidney stone formation.
  • Reduce your intake of oxalate-rich foods: Foods that are high in oxalate, such as spinach and rhubarb, can increase the risk of kidney stone formation. Limit your intake of these foods or talk with a doctor or a registered dietitian about how to balance your diet.
  • Manage underlying medical conditions: If you have an underlying medical condition, such as gout, work with a doctor to manage the condition and reduce the risk of kidney stones.
  • Stay active: Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of kidney stone formation by promoting healthy kidney function and reducing the risk of dehydration.

Learn more about preventing kidney stones.

Summary 

Kidney stones can cause severe pain and discomfort, but the condition is typically not life threatening.

In rare cases, untreated kidney stones can lead to kidney failure, a serious and potentially life threatening condition. Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys can no longer function correctly. This leads to a buildup of waste products and excess fluid in the body.

If you are experiencing symptoms of kidney stones or kidney failure, seek medical attention promptly. Your doctor may recommend medications or a medical procedure to treat kidney stones.

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Medical Reviewer: Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP
Last Review Date: 2023 Mar 15
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